Elastic-fluid turbine.



No. 808,094. PATENTED DBC. 26, 1905. 0. KOLB. ELASTIG FLUID TURBINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAYs.19o5L 5 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

94. PATENTED DEG. 26 1905. No 808 O O' KOLB.

ELASTIC FLUID TURBINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY8.1905.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

N s 094. PATBNTBD 1320.26 1905.

o 80 o. KoLB.

ELASTIC FLUID TURBINE. APPLICATION IILBD MAY a. 1905.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

No. 808,094. PATBNTED DEG. 26, 1905. 0. KOLB.

ELASTIC FLUID TURBINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY8. 1905.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

OTTO KOLB, OF KARLSRUHE, GERMANY.

ELASTlC-F-'LUID TURBINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 26, 1905.

Application filed May 8, 1905. Serial No. 259,430.

To 01H/ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, OTTO KOLB, a subject of the German Emperor, and aresident of Karlsruhe, Germany, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Elastic-Fluid Turbines, of which the following is aspecification.

My invention relates 'to improvements in elastic-Huid turbines wherebytheir manufacture is facilitated and cheapened, the turbines being ofthat kind in which two or more consecutive sections are employed and theelastic fluid is expanded in as many stages as there are sections andthe speed ofl the cxpanded fluid is gradually reduced in each scction.As is well known, such turbines are intended to make the most profit ofthe elastic fiuid and to reduce the number of revolutions to a minimum.

The objects of my improvement are, first, to provide turned circularspaces in the casing; second, to provide circular plates, either hollowor solid, which can be fitted in the circular spaces of the casing f'ordividing the latter into a corresponding number of sections and are oneither side or on both sides arranged for receiving cast pieces withconducting-channels or are cast in one piece with the walls ofconducting-channels, which latter are closed by annular plates, or areprovided on one side with a plurality of concentric grooves for thereception of detachable conductingscoops; third, to arrange theexpansion-nozzles in the several sections either for bolting to theinside of the casing or for fastening on the circular plates; fourth, todispose a turbine-wheel with a single crown of scoops in each section orin every section with the eX- ception of the last one, in which aturbinewheel with several concentric crowns of' scoops may be disposed,it being optional to provide the intermediate turbine-wheels on bothsides with two single crowns of scoops; fifth, to make the scoops of theseveral turbine-wheels detachable and to arrange their cut-out feet forengaging in annular' ribbed grooves, in which they can be secured bymeans of annular wedges, the latter' being made either in one piece orin sections; sixth, to provide in each annular space between theturbine-shaft and the bottom or cover of the casing, also in eachannular space between the nave of a turbine-wheel and a circular Aplate,a labyrinthian tightening device the rotary member of which has annularinwardlyopen spaces, while the annular spaces of the stationary memberare open outwardly, and, seventh. to preferably construct thelabyrinthian tightening device with annular disks and distance-pieces ortheir equivalents, so as to avoid the division of the one member in alongitudinal plane of the turbine-shaft. I attain these objects by theconstructions illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in whicl Figure1 is a vertical longitudinal section through an elastic-Huid turbine intwo sections and with the expansion-nozzles and conducting-channelsarranged in one series in the first section and in three series in thesecond section, the circular plate being shown as hollow. Fig. 2 is onthe left a vertical crosssection through the first section ofl the sameon the line A A in Fig. l and on the right a similar section through thesecond section on thelineBBin Fig. 1. Fig. Sisavertical longitudinalsection through a modified elastic-Huid turbine in which the circularplate is solid. Fig. 4 is on the left a vertical cross-section throughthe first section of the same on the line O O in Fig. 3 and on the righta similar section through the second section on the line D D in Fig. 3.Fig. 5 is a vertical longitudinal section through another modifiedelasticfiuid turbine in two sections, of which the first section issimilar to that in Fig. l, while in the second section a circular seriesof' expansion-nozzles and a turbine-wheel with a plurality of concentriccrowns of scoops are disposed. Fig. 6 is on the left a verticalcross-section through the first section ofthe same on the line E E inFig. 3 and on the right a similar section through the second section onthe line F F in Fig. l). Fig. 7 is a vertical longitudinal sectionthrough a modification of the previous elastic-fluid turbine. Fig. 8 ison the left a vertical cross-section through the first section of thesame on the line G Gr in Fig. 7 and on the right a similar sectionthrough the second section on the line H H in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is across-section through the rim of a turbincwheel having on one side asingle crown of detachable scoops. Fig. 10 is a section through the linel I in Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a cross-section through the rim of aturbine-wheel having on both sides two single crowns of detachablescoops. Fig. 12 is a cross-section through the rim of a turbinewheelhaving on one side three crowns of detachable scoops. Fig. 13 isasection through the line K K in Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a crosssectionthrough the rim of a turbine-Wheel lOO IIO

having on each side three crowns of detachable scoops. Fig. 15 is asection through the line M M in Fig. 16 and shows on an enlarged scalean expansion-nozzle and three conducting-channels, of which the last oneis only partially represented, in a series and the scoops of aturbine-wheel. Fig. 16 is a section through the broken line L L in Fig.15. Fig. 17 is a vertical longitudinal section through a labyrinthiantightening device similar to the left one in Figs. 1, 3, 5, and 7; andFig. 18 is a section through the line N N in Fig. 17.

Similar characters of reference referto similar parts throughout theseveral views.

In Figs. 1 to 8 elastic-fluid turbines with two sections are shown, inwhich the initial pressure of the elastic fluid (be it steam, gas, air,or the like) is in two stages reduced by expansion, and the speed of thefluid is in each section gradually reduced by passing it repeatedlythrough wheel-scoops and either through conducting-channels ofincreasing area or through consecutive concentric crowns.

of scoops or ladles of increasing area.

The casing O of the elastic-iiuid turbine (shown at Figs. 1 and 2) iscast in one piece with an annular channel 2, to which the elastic fluidis admitted through the inlet 3, and with the outlet 4 of the secondsection. A hollow circular plate P is arranged in the casing 0 and bearsagainst an internal ange 1 of the latter. In the center this hollowplate P is provided with an opening' 5, into which the nave of theturbine-wheel 6 is introduced, while an annular space is left betweenthis nave and the receiver. In this annular space a labyrinthiantightening device 7 is arranged,

the construction of which is similar to that .crown of scoops 14 of theturbine-wheel 6.

The hollow plate P is on both sides provided with two annular grooves,in which the heads of the detachable scoops 14 and 22 of the twoturbine-wheels 6 and 8, respectively, can engage. (Vc'cle Fig. 16.) Itwill be seen that the hollow plate P is located between the twoturbine-wheels 6 and 8 and divides the casing O into two sections. Theshaft 9 is mounted to turn in two suitable bearings 10 10, which in Fig.1 are merely indicated by lines, as their construction is immaterial. Onthe left side in Fig. 1 the hollow plate P is castv in one piece withthe walls of the first conductingchannel 11, which is open to withoutand closed by a plate 12, so that the working of the inside faces ofthis channel 11 with the aid of tools may be facilitated. Theexpansion-nozzle 13 of the first section is secured, by means of screws,on the internal face of' the casing O and is adapted to receive elasticfiuid from the annular channel 2 through an opening and to expand theiuid, so as to reduce The second conducting-channel 15 of larger` areais provided in a separate open cast piece, which is fastened with screwson the hollow plate P. Opposite to the end of this channel 15 the hollowplate P is provided with an opening 16 for the admission of the expandedand partly-spent elastic fluid. On the right side in Fig. 1 the hollowplate P is provided with three openings 17 17 and is cast in one piecewith the walls of three expansion-noz- Zles 18 18 and three secondconducting-channels 19 19 of the second section, which are all open towithout and covered with an annular plate 2O for facilitating Atheirworking. The saidthree openings 17 17 are of course also closed by thisplate 20. The three first conducting-channels 21 21 are formed inseparate open cast pieces, which are fastened with screws on the rightside of the hollow plate P in Fig. 1 and without the crown of scoops 22of the second turbine-wheel 8. The annular spaces left between thebottom 23, the cover 24, and the shaft 9 are filled up with twolabyrinthian tightening devices, as the one shown at Figs. 17 and 18,the construction of which will be presently described. The twoturbine-wheels 6 and 8 are secured on the shaft 9 between a collar 25and a nut 26 and may be prevented from turning on the shaft by one ortwo splines. (Not shown.)

The left labyrinthian tightening device in Fig. 1 and shown at Figs. 17and 18 comprises a box 27 and a disk 30 29. The box'27 is secured on theshaft 9 between a shoulder (or the collar 25 for the right device inFig. 1) and a nut 28. rIhe disk 3() 29 is fastened with screws 31 on thecover 24, (or the bottom 23.) The box 27 is in its cavity provided witha plurality of annular partition-walls 31 31, whereby a plurality ofinwardly-open spaces is formed.y 1n a similar manner the disk 29 30 isprovided with a plurality of annular partition-walls 32 32, whichalternate with the other ones 31 31 and form between them spaces whichare outwardly open. It will be seen that the partition-walls 31 31 inthe box 27 partake in the revolution of the turbinewheels 6 and 8, whilethe other partitionwalls 32 32 are stationary. For reducing the frictionbetween the shaft 9 and the disk 29 30 an annular Aclearance 33 is leftbetween the internal wall of the box27 and the part 30 of the disk 29,while the nut 28 should just touch the part 30 without producing anypressure. Through a tube 34 in the disk 29 and a channel 35 a suitableliquid-such as water, oil, glycerin, anilin, or the like--is introduced,(be it by means of a pump or any known dropping lubricator,) so thatduring the rotation of the shaft 9 with the two turbine-wheels 6 and 8this liquid partakes in the rotation and partly fills the spaces of thebox 27 between lOO IIO

the several partition-walls 31 32 31 32, as is clearly shown at Figs. 17and 18. By means of this annular layer of liquid (which shape is due toits centrifugal force) the space within the casingOis hermeticallydivided from the ambient air. According to there being an overpressureor a vacuum within the casing O the annular layers ofl the liquid in theseveral chambers will adjust themselves, their depth varying from oneside to the other side in proportion to the difference of the pressureswithin and without the turbine and to the number of the chambers. Forasmall dierence of pressures a single chamber might suffice. In anycase, even for a high difference of pressures, every stuffing-box andpacking is rendered superfluous by this labyrinthian tightening device.I am aware that there are similar known labyrinthian fightening devices;but theyare different from my improved tightening' device in that withthe former the member with the outwardly-open spaces (such as 30 32 32in Fig. 17) is made to rotate, whereas with my device it is the othermember with the inwardly-open spaceswthat is, the box 27 with thepartition-walls 31 31-- which is made to rotate. Thereby the inlportantadvantage is obtained that the tightening liquid is securely held in thespaces of the box 27 and prevented from flowing od, as this is the casewith the known devices by reason of the friction of' the rotatingpartitionwalls.

The box 27 may be made in one piece with its partition-walls 31 31 thesame as the disk 27 30 with its partition-wa-lls 32 32, in which case,however, the box 27 requires to be made in halves to facilitate thecomposition of the device.

To facilitate the manufacture and the composition of the labyrinthiantightening device, I prefer to make all the several partition-wallsseparately of sheet metal, as shown. rFhen the disk 29 is madeseparately; also, the sleeve 30, into which the channel 35 is cut. Theseveral partition-disks 32 32 are secured on the sleeve 30, between thecollar 36 and the nave of the disks 29, by means of a nut 37 and withthe aid of annular distance-pieces 38 38. In a similar manner theseveral partition-disks 31 31 in the box 27 are, with the aid of annulardistance-pieces 40 40, secured between a shoulder and a nut 39, screwedinto the box and cast in one piece with a partition-wall. Then thecomposition of the device can be effected in a manner which is obviousto any one versed in the art to which this invention appertains.

In Fig. 1 the manner of afiixing the scoops 14 and 22 to the twoturbine-wheels 6 and 8 is not clearly shown, owing to the reduced scaleon which this ligure is drawn. It is bctter illustrated in Figs. 9 and10. Each turbine-wheel 6 or 8 is provided along its periphery with anannular recess 41 ofa trapezoid cross-section, in which an annularlocking-rib 42 is left. All the scoops 14 or 22 are made from rolled ordrawn or milled bars of a nearly rectangular cross-section, into whichspaces are cut or milled to form the areas between the several scoopsproper. They are each provided in the foot with a cut into which thelocking-rib 42 can engage. To render possible the introduction of thefeet of the scoops 14 or 22 into the annular recess 41 above the rib 42,the recess 41 of course requires to be made wider than the height of thescoops-that is to say, there should be a distance left between the rib42and the opposite face of the recess 41 which is equal to or slightlylarger than the height of the scoopfeet. After introducing andcollecting all the scoops 14 or 22 in the recess 41 there will be aspace left into which an annular wedge 43 is driven to compress andsecure the scoops 14 or 22. This wedge 43 may also be made in sections,as is clearly shown at Fig. 10. If so required, the wedge 43 or therespective section of it may be withdrawn by means of a hammer and a pinor peg introduced through holes 44. Thereby it is rendered possible toreplace defective scoops by others in a very easy manner. The holes 44may also be utilized for the introduction of bolts which engage in thewedges 43, if so preferred.

The elastic-fi uid turbine operates as follows: The elastic fluid underpressure is admitted through the inlet 3 into the annular channel 2,from when'ce it passes through the nozzle 13 while being expanded, sothat its pressure is reduced in the first stage. The expanded elasticfiuid acts upon the scoops 14 to rotate the turbine-wheel 6, and therebyalso the shaft 9. After passing through the scoops 14 for the first timethe elastic fluid enters the first conducting-channel 11 and is thereinturned and directed toward the scoops 14 in the direction of the arrow.It enters the turbinewheel 6 at the inner circumference of the latterand acts for the second time upon the scoops 14, while its speed is ofcourse further reduced. After the passage through the scoops 14 theelastic fiuid enters the second conducting-channel 15 of alarger area,where it is again turned and 'directed toward the external periphery ofthe turbine-wheel 6. It then acts for the third time upon the scoops 14,while its speed decreases a little further. After the passage throughthe scoops 14 the elastic fiuid enters the cavity of the hollow plate Pthrough the opening 16and leaves the same through the three openings 1717, from whence it passes through the three expansionnozzles 18 18,where it is expanded in the second stage. The expanded elastic fiuidacts for the first time upon the scoops 22 of the second turbine-wheel8, whereupon it enters the three first conducting-channels 21 21, whereit is turned and directed toward the external periphery of theturbine-wheel. It then acts IOO 4self to this number of sections.

for the second time upon the scoops 22, while l its speed is furtherreduced. After the passage through the scoops 22 the expanded elasticfluid is turned in the three second conducting-channels 19 19, so thatit acts upon the scoops 22, after which it escapes into the annularspa'ce 45 and thence through the outlet 4 either into the atmosphere orinto a condenser, as the case may he.

It will be noted that the diameter of the first turbine-wheel 6 islarger than that of the second turbine-wheel 8, which corresponds to thedecrease of the speed of the elastic fluid on its path through thevarious parts of the turbine. It is evident that the numberof theexpansion-nozzles and the conducting-channel in both sections of theturbine may be varie In Figs. 1 and 2 I have shown a turbine with twosections only; but Ido notlimitiny- The turbine may be made in threesections, in which case three turbine-wheels on the common shaft and twohollow circular plates between them are employed. The manner in whichthe turbine requires to be modified is obvious after the aboveexplanations. The number of sections of the turbine may be furtherincreased, if so preferred. It is only to be remarked that theintermediate turbine-wheels may be provided on both sides with twosingle crowns of scoops, as is shown at Fig. 11, which requires nofurther explanation.

Where so preferred, the turbine shown at Figs. 1 and 2 may be modifiedin the manner shown at Figs. 3 and 4, in which case the hollow plate Pis replaced by a solid plate Q, on both sides of which the severalseparate cast pieces containing the cond ucting-channels 46, 47, 48, 51,52, and 53 are affixed with screws. (See also Figs. 15 and 16.) In thesame manner also the expansion-nozzle 50 of the second section isafiixed to the plate Q, in which latter an opening 49 is provided forthe passage of the expanded elastic fluid from the first section to thisnozzle 50. Otherwise the construction of the turbine is the same asbefore. It will be seen that also in this case the manufacture of theturbine is facilitated, as the plate Q, is made separately and turnedfor the application of the several cast pieces. The turbine shown hasonly two sections; but it is evident that the number of the sections maybe increased by inserting plates Q, between the several turbine-wheelsand making the casing in sections, the construction of the several partsbeing modified in a manner too obvious for further explanation.

The second turbine-wheel 8 in Figs. 1 and 2 may be replaced by aturbine-wheel 54 with a plurality of concentric crowns of scoops 55 55,(see Figs. 5, 6, 12, and 13,) the area between the scoops-that is, thelength of the scoops proper-increasing from the inner circumference tothe external periphery. The left side of the hollow plate R in Fig. 5 isarranged'in asimilar manner as that of the hollow plate P in Fig. 1 forreceiving the conducting-channels 56 57. There are, however, four seriesof expansion-nozzles 58 and conducting-channels 56 57 assumed in thefirst section, and for this reason the cavity of the plate R is dividedby four radial partition-walls 59 59 into four chambers,V into each ofwhich the expanded elastic fluid from the second conducting-channel 57passes through a separate opening 60. On the right side in Figs. 5 and 6the hollow plate R is shown as provided with an annular opening 61 andcast in one piece with the walls of a circular series ofexpansion-nozzles 62, which latter are open to without and covered withan annular plate 63. The said right side of the hollow plate Risprovided with several (here three) concentric grooves similar to 441 inFig. 9, in which as many series of scoops 64 64 are secured with wedgessimilar to 43 in Fig. 9. These scoops 64 64 serve as conducting-channelsand engage in the spaces between the several concentric crowns of scoops55 55 of the turbine-wheel 54'. Otherwise the construction of thisturbine is similar to that of the turbine shown at Figs. 1 and 2.

The turbine illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8 differs from the precedingturbine only in that A three (instead of two) conducting-channels 65,66, and 67 are employed in each series in the first section, so that thepartly-spent elastic fluid leaves the turbine-wheel 68 on the externalperiphery instead of on the internal circumference as before. Inconsequence of this the hollow plate S is cut out on one or severalplaces (in Fig. 7 below) and provided with one or several openings 6969, through which the fiuid can enter the cavity of the hollow plate S.On the right side in Fig. 7 the hollow plate S is constructed the sameas before.

The turbines shown at Figs. 5 to 8 are divided into two sections only;but, as already remarked above, the number of the sections in eachturbine may be increased, if so preferred, in which case hollow or solidplates R or S, respectively, are disposed between the severalturbine-wheels, and the intermediate turbine-wheels may be provided onboth sides with two single crowns of scoops, as shown at Fig. 11,* orwith several concentric crowns of scoops, as in Fig. 14.

The elastic-Huid turbines shown and described may be varied withoutdeviating from the spirit of my invention.

The labyrinthian tightening device which is set forth but not claimedherein constitutes the subject-matter of my application, Serial No.272,556, filed August 3, 1905, which is a division hereof.

Vhat I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent,is-

1. In an elastic-Huid turbine, the combination with a casing havingwithout at one end an inlet and an annular channel communicatingtherewith and at the other end an outlet and within a circular flange,of a circular plate secured at the circular iiange of said casing anddividing the latter into two sections, detachable primaryexpansion-nozzles on the inside of said casing and communicating withits annular channel, a shaft, separate bearings for said shaft, twoturbinewheels on said shaft in both sections of said casing and havingeach on one side a crown of detachable scoops, the heads of which engagein concentric grooves of said circular plate, a plurality of detachablecast pieces fastened with screws on both sides of said circular plateand alternately on the two peripheries of the crown of the respectiveturbinewheel, they partly containing conductingchannels of a uniform,but from channel to channel in either series increasing area and partlybeing expansion-nozzles which communicate with the first sectionthroughopcnings in the circular plate, a cover, and three labyrinthiantightening devices in the three annular spaces between said shaft andsaid casing and said cover, also beween the nave of either turbine-wheeland said circular plate.

2. In an elastic-Huid turbine, the combination with a casing having`without at one end an inlet and an annular channel communicatingtherewith and at the other end an outlet and within a plurality ofcircular ianges, of a plurality of circular plates secured at thecircular flanges of said casing and dividing the latter into sections,detachable primary expansion-nozzles on theinside of said casing andcommunicating with its annular channel, a shaft, separate bearings forsaid shaft, a plurality of turbine-wheels on said shaft, one of them ineach section of said casing and all having each on one side a crown ofdetachable scoops, the heads of which engage in concentric grooves ofsaid plurality of circular plates, a plurality of detachable cast piecesfastened with screws on both sides of the first of said plurality ofcircular plates and on one side of each of the following circular plaLesand alternately on the two peripheries of the crown of the respectiveturbine-wheel, they partly containing conducting-channels of a uniform,but from channel to channel in either series increasing area and partlybeing eX- pansion-nozzles which communicate with the adjoining' sectionthrough openings in the circular plate, two covers, two labyrinthiantightening devices in the annular spaces between said shaft and said twocovers, and a plurality of labyrinthian tightening devices in theannular spaces between said plurality of circular plates and the navesof said plurality of turbine-wheels.

3. In an elastic-duid turbine, the combination with a casing having'without at one end an inlet and an annular channel communicatingtherewith and at the other end an outlet and within a circular flange,of a hollow circular plate secured at the circular flange of said casingand dividing the latter into two sections, detachable primaryexpansion-nozzles on the inside of said casing and communieating withits annular channel, a shaft, Separate bearings for said shaft,twoturbine-wheels on said shaft in both sections of said casing and havingeach on one side a crown of detachable scoops, the heads of which engagein concentric grooves of said hollow circular plate, the latter beingarranged for the passage of the elastic iuid from the first section tothe second section and being cast in one piece on the one side with thewalls of a plurality of oonducting-channels within the crown of thefirst turbinewheel which channels are open to without and on the otherside with the walls of a plurality of expansion-nozzles andconducting-channels within the crown of the second turbine-wheel whichnozzles and channels are open to without, two annular plates coveringthe expansion-nozzles and conductingchannels in said hollow circularplate, a plurality of detachable cast pieces with conducting-channelsfastened with screws on both sides of said hollow circular plate withoutthe crowns of said two turbine-wheels, a cover, and three labyrinthiantightening devices in the annular spaces between said shaft and saidcasing and said cover, also between the nave of either turbine-wheel andsaid hollow circular plate.

4. In an elastic-Huid turbine, the combination with a casing havingwithout at one end an inlet and an annular channel communicatingtherewith and at the other end an outlet and withina plurality ofcircular fianges, of a hollow circular plate secured at the firstcircular flange of said casing, a plurality of circular plates at theremaining circular flanges of said casing whereby the latter is dividedinto sections, detachable primary expansionnozzles on the inside of saidcasing and communicating with its annular channel, a shaft, separatebearings for said shaft, a plurality of turbine-wheels on said shaft,one of them in each section of said casing and all having each on oneside a crown of detachable scoops, the heads of which engage inconcentric grooves of said hollow circular plate and said plurality ofcircular plates respectively, said hollow circular plate being cast inone piece on the one side with the walls of a plurality ofconducting-channels within the crown of the first turbine-wheel whichchannels are open to without and on the other side with the walls of aplurality of expansion-nozzles and conducting-channels within the crownof the second turbine-wheel which nozzles and channels are open towithout, two annular plates covering the expansion-nozzles andconductingchannels in said hollow circular plate which latter isarranged for the passage of the elastic fluid from the first section tothe second section, a plurality of detachable cast pieces IIO withconducting-channels fastened with screws on both sides of said hollowcircular plate without the crowns of the first and secondturbine-wheels, a plurality of detachable cast pieces fastened withscrews on one side of each of said plurality of circular plates andalternately on the two peripheries of the crown of the respectiveturbine-wheel, they partly containing conducting-channels of a uniform.lbut from channel to channel in either series increasing area and partlybeing expansionnozzles, which communicate with the adjoining sectionthrough openings in the circular plate, two covers, two labyrinthiantightening devices in the annular spaces between said shaft and said twocovers, and a plurality of labyrinthian tightening devices in theannular spaces between said hollow circular plate and said plurality ofcircular plates and the naves of said plurality of turbine-wheels.

5. In an elastic-fluid turbine, the combination with a casing havingwithout at one end an inlet and an annular channel communicatingtherewith and at the other end an outlet and within a plurality ofcircular flanges, of a plurality of hollow circular plates secured atthe circular ianges of said casing and dividing the latter intosections. detachable primary expansion-nozzles on the inside of saidcasing and communicating with its annular channel, a shaft, separatebearings for said shaft, a plurality of turbine-wheels on said shaft,one of them in each section of said casing and the first and the last ofthem having' each on one side a crown of detachable scoops and theothers having each on both sides two crowns of detachable scoops, theheads of all these detachable scoops engaging in concentric grooves ofsaid plurality of hollow. circular plates, the latter being arranged forthe passage of the elastic fluid from one to the following section andbeing each cast in one piece on the one side with the walls ofconducting-channels within the crown of the respective turbinewheelwhich channels are open to without and on the other side with the wallsof a plurality of expansion-nozzles and conducting-channels within thecrown of the respective turbinewheel which nozzles and channels are opento without, a plurality of annular plates covering the expansion-nozzlesand conductingchannels in said plurality of hollow circular plates, aplurality of detachable cast pieces with cond ucting-channels fastenedwith screws on both sides of each of said plurality of hollow circularplates without the crowns of said plurality of turbine-wheels, twocovers, two

tion with a casing having without at one end concentric groove of saidhollow circular' plate, a second turbine-wheel on said shaft in thesecond section of said casing and having on one side a plurality ofconcentric crowns of detachable scoops, the heads of which engage inconcentric grooves of said hollow circular plate, the latter beingarranged for the passage of the elastic fluid from the lirst section tothe second section and being cast in one piece on the one side with thewalls of a plurality of conducting-channels within the crown of saidfirst turbine-wheel which channels are open to without and on the otherside with the walls of a circular series of eXpansion-nozzles within theinner crown of said second turbine-wheel which nozzles are open towithout, two annular plates covering the conductiiig-channels andexpansion-nozzles in said hollow circular plate, a plurality ofdetachable cast pieces 'with conducting-channels fastened with screws onone side of said hollow circular plate without the crown of said firstturbine-wheel, a plurality of concentric deep grooves in the other sideof said hollow circular plate, a plurality of concentric crowns ofdetachable conducting-scoops engaging in the spaces between theconcentric crowns of scoops of the second turbine-wheel and fastenedwith their feet in said plurality of concentric deep grooves, and threelabyrinthian tightening devices in the three annular spaces between saidshaft and said casing and said cover, also between the nave of either'turbinewheel and said hollow circular plate.

7. ln an elastic-fluid turbine, the combination with a casing havingwithout at one end an inlet and an annular channel communicatingtherewith and at the other end an outlet and within a plurality ofcircular iianges, of two hollow circular plates secured at the first andthe last circular lianges of said casing, a plurality of circular platessecured at the remaining circular flanges of said casing, whereby thelatter is divided into sections, detachable primary expansion-nozzles onthe inside of said casing and communicating with its annular channel, ashaft, separate bearings for said shaft, a plurality of turbine-wheelson said shaft, one of them in eachsection of said casing and allexcepting the last one having each on one side a crown of detachablescoops, while the last turbine-wheel has on one side a plurality ofconcentric crowns of detachable IOO IIO

IIS

scoops, theheads of all these scoops engaging in concentric grooves of'said two hollow circular plates and said plurality of circular platesrespectively, the one hollow circular plate being cast in one piece onthe one side with the walls of a plurality of conductingchannels withinthe crown of the first turbinewheel which channels are open to withoutand on the other side with the walls of a plurality of expansion-nozzlesand conducting-channels within the crown of the second turbine-wheelwhich nozzles and channels are open to without, the other hollowcircular plate being' cast in one piece on the one side with the wallsof a plurality of eonductingchannels within the crown of the last butone turbine-wheel which channels are open to without and on the otherside with the walls of a circular series of expansion-nozzles within theinner crown of the last turbine-wheel which nozzles are open to without,four annular plates covering' the conducting-channels andexpansion-nozzles in said two hollow circular plates, the latter beingarranged for the passage of the elastic fluid from one to the followingsection, a plurality of detachable cast pieces with conducting-channelsfastened with screws on both sides of the one and on one side of theother of said two hollow circular plates without the crown of therespective turbine-wheel, a plurality of concentric deep grooves in theother side ofl the other hollow circular plate, a plurality of eoncentric crowns of detachable conducting-scoops engagingin the spacesbetween the concentric crowns of scoops of the last turbine-wheel andfastened with their feet in the plurality of concentric deep grooves ofthe last hollow circular plate, a plurality of' detachable cast piecesfastened with screws on one side of each of said plurality of circularplates and alternately on thetwo peripheries of the crown of therespective turbine-wheel, they partly containing conducting-channels 'ofa uniform, but from channel to channel in either series increasing areaand partly being expansion-nozzles, which communicate with theadjoining` section through openings in the circular plate, two covers,two labyrinthian tightening devices in the annular spaces between saidshaft and said two covers, and a plurality of laby-rinthian tighteningdevices in the annular spaces between said two hollow circular platesand said plurality of circular plates and the naves of said plurality ofturbine-wheels.

8. In an elastic-fluid turbine, the combination with a casing havingwithout at one end an inlet and an annular channel communicatingtherewith and at the other end an outlet and within a plurality ofcircular lianges, of

l a plurality of hollow circular plates secured lar channel, a shaft,separate bearings for said shaft, a plurality of turbine-wheels on saidshaft, one of them in each section of said casing, of which the firstturbine-wheel has on one side a crown of detachable scoops, the lastturbine-wheel has on one side a plurality of concentric crowns ofdetachable scoops and the remaining turbine-'wheels have each on bothsides two crowns of detachable scoops, the heads of all these scoopsengaging in concentric grooves of said plurality of hollow circularplates, the first hollow circular plate being cast in one piece on theone side with the walls of a plurality of conducting-channels within thecrown of the first'turbinewheel which channels are open to without andon the other side with the walls of a plurality of expansion-nozzlesandconductingchannels within the crown of the second turbine-wheel whichnozzles and channels are open to without, the remaining hollow circularplates being cast in one piece on both sides with the walls of twocircular series of expansion-nozzles within the inner crowns of theturbine-wheels which nozzles are open to without, a plurality of annularplates covering the conducting-channels and the eXpansion-nozzlesrespectively in said .plurality of hollow circular plates, the latterbeing arranged for the passage of the elastic fluid from one to thefollowing section, a plurality of detachable cast pieces withconductingchannels fastened with screws on the one side of the firsthollow circular plate without the crown of the lirst turbine-wheel, aplurality of concentric deep grooves in the other side of the firsthollow circular plate and in each side of the remaining hollow circularplates, a plurality of concentric crowns of detachable conducting-scoopsengaging in the spaces between the concentric crowns of scoops of thelast turbine-wheel and fastened with their feet in the plurality ofconcentric deep grooves of said plurality of hollow circular plates, twolabyrinthian tightening devices in the annular spaces between said shaftand said two covers, and a plurality of labyrinthian tightening devicesin the annular spaces between said plurality of hollow circular platesand the naves of said plurality of turbinewheels.

9. In an elastic-fluid turbine, the combination with a turbine-wheelprovided on one side along its periphery with an annulargroove of atrapezoid cross-section and an annular rib on the internal face of thisgroove, of a plurality of detachable scoops made from rolled, drawn ormilled bars of a nearly rectangular cross-section and provided in theirfeet each with a cut, in which the rib in the groove of saidturbine-wheel can engage, and an annular' wedge for securing the feet ofsaid plurality of detachable scoops in the groove of said turbine-wheel.

lO. In an elastic-fluid turbine, the combinaiso tion with aturbine-wheel provided on both sides along its periphery with twoannular grooves of a trapezoid cross-section and two annular ribs on theinternal faces of these two grooves, of a plurality of detachable scoopsmade from rolled, drawn or milled bars of a nearly rectangularcross-section and provided in their feet each with a cut, in which therib in either groove of said turbine-wheel can engage, and two annularwedges for securing the feet of said plurality of detachable scoops inthe two grooves of said turbine-wheel.

11. In an elastic-fluid turbine, the combination with a turbine-wheelprovided on one side with a plurality of concentric grooves of atrapezoid cross-section and with an annular rib on the internal face ofeach of these grooves, ot' a plurality of detachable scoops grooves, ofa plurality of detachable scoops made from rolled, drawn or milled barsof a,

nearly rectangular cross-section and provided in their feet each with acut, in which the rib in either groove of said turbine-wheel can engage,and a plurality of annular wedges'for securing the feet of saidplurality of detachable scoops in the several grooves of saidturbine-wheel. l

13. In an elastic-fluid turbine, the combination with aturbine-wheel,provided on one side near its periphery with an annulargroove and an annular rib in said groove, of a crown of detachablescoops provided in their feet each with a cut, and an annular wedge madein sections for securing the feet of said scoops in said grooves.

In testimony Whereot'I have signed my name to this specification in thepresence of two'subscribing witnesses.

OTTO KOLB.

Witnesses: FRooEFF R. GUNDEL,

Jos. H. LEUTE.

